Abstract

Abstract
This paper presents techniques and tools to transform spreadsheets into relational databases and back. A set of data refinement rules is introduced to map a tabular datatype into a relational database schema. Having expressed the transformation of the two data models as data refinements, we obtain for free the functions that migrate the data. We use well-known relational database techniques to optimize and query the data. Because data refinements define bidirectional transformations we can map such database back to an optimized spreadsheet. We have implemented the data refinement rules and we constructed HASKELL-based tools to manipulate, optimize and refactor Excel-like spreadsheets. ©2009 ACM.

Abstract
The need to improve communication between humans and computers has been instrumental in defining new communication models, and accordingly, new ways of interacting with machines. The use of gestures as a means of communication has been a challenging task. The latest generation of smartphones boasts powerful processors and built-in video cameras, making them capable of executing complex and computationally demanding applications. Thus, the integration of gesture recognition systems in smartphone applications might be a close reality. In this paper, we present studies of a gesture recognition prototype system for smartphones. We use a number of tasks typically employed in gesture recognition systems which permit to assess the current feasibility of smartphones to implement this kind of systems. Based on both the execution time and classification performance, we conclude that the latest smartphone generation is capable of executing complex image processing applications, with the most penalizing factor being camera performance regarding capture rates with the current J2ME support. Copyright 2009 ACM.

Abstract
This paper presents the Total Mass Target Controlled Infusion algorithm. The system comprises an On Line tuned Algorithm for Recovery Detection (OLARD) after an initial bolus administration and a Bayesian identification method for parametric estimation based on sparse measurements of the accessible signal. To design the drug dosage profile, two algorithms are here proposed. During the transient phase, an Input Variance Control (IVC) algorithm is used. It is based on the concept of TCI and aims to steer the drug effect to a predefined target value within an a priori fixed interval of time. After the steady state phase is reached the drug dose regimen is controlled by a Total Mass Control (TMC) algorithm. The mass control law for compartmental systems is robust even in the presence of parameter uncertainties. The whole system feasibility has been evaluated for the case of Neuromuscular Blockade (NMB) level and was tested both in simulation and in real cases.

Abstract
In this work we described an optical fibre sensing system for detecting low levels of methane. The properties of hollow-core photonic crystal fibres are explored to have a sensing head with favourable characteristics for gas sensing, particularly in what concerns intrinsic readout sensitivity and gas diffusion time in the sensing structure. The sensor interrogation was performed applying the Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy technique, and a portable measurement unit was developed with performance suitable for remote detection of low levels of methane. This portable system has the capacity to simultaneously interrogate four remote photonic crystal fibre sensing heads. Copyright © 2009 J. P. Carvalho et al.

Abstract
This paper describes a research developed to identify management procedures to deal with the charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs) batteries in scenarios characterized by a large scale deployment of this new kind of load. Three approaches were studied: dumb charging, dual tariff policy and smart charging. To assess the efficacy of such procedures, the grid integration of EVs was pushed to its limit for each of the adopted charging management approaches. A Medium Voltage (MV) grid, representative of a residential area distribution grid in Portugal, was used as testing environment. Several shares of EVs technologies were considered for different integration scenarios. Voltage profiles and branch congestion levels were evaluated, for the peak load hour, for grid technical limits checking. Losses were also evaluated for a typical daily load profile.